The England centre stuck his fingers behind the PM's head during a photo shoot of players and management during an event to honour the Lions' victory over Australia, creating the "bunny ears" effect.

Tuilagi insisted as he apologised that he meant no offence to the office of the Prime Minister, subsequently tweeting Mr Cameron: "Cheers for having a great sense of humour @David_Cameron always welcome around mine for dinner and to get me back!"

Tuilagi is no stranger to controversy, having been fined £3000 by the Rugby Football Union for jumping from a ferry during England's Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign in New Zealand two years ago.

Tuilagi was cautioned by police on that occasion, and disciplined by then England coach Martin Johnson.